With reports of Chinese “intrusion” in the North East, Defence Minister A K Antony and Army chief Gen Deepak Kapoor will visit the strategic Nathu La pass in Sikkim next week for a first hand assessment of the scenario.
During their two day stay in Sikkim, Mr. Antony and Gen Kapoor will be briefed by the army officials from 112 Mountain Brigade and 17 Mountain Division, which is guarding the Sikkim border since 1963.

The information shared by the army officials and the minister’s own assessment would provide inputs for the Prime Minister’s discussions with the Chinese leadership, sources said. Located at an altitude of 14140 ft, the strategic pass that was closed since the 1962 war, was reopened for a restricted trade with China in 2006.
Trade took place under close scrutiny by the Black Cats – popular name of the 17 Mountain Division – as the People Liberation Army of China is believed to have constructed two new parallel roads opposite to Nathu La pass. Defence ministry  has downplayed reports of intrusions holding that the incidents took place due to “differing perceptions” about the still-unresolved border.